Micro Boat Challenge

Hands-on STEM engineering activity. Design and build a micro boat using a 3D pen and test how much weight it can hold before sinking. Great for a 2nd or 3rd grade age group.

Students explore important science concepts including buoyancy, displacement, mass, and volume while practicing the engineering design process through testing and redesign.

This activity challenges students to think like engineers as they design structures, test their performance, analyze results, and improve their designs.

NGSS Standards:

3-5-ETS1-3 - Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

3-5-ETS1-1 - Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.3-PS2-1

Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of effects of balanced and unbalanced forces.

3-5-ETS1-3

Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

3-5-ETS1-2

Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

K-2-ETS1-2

Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.

K-2-ETS1-3

Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs

Students will:

• Design a micro boat structure

• Build their design using a 3D pen

• Test their boat by adding pennies as weight

• Observe how displacement and buoyancy affect floating

• Reflect on their design and suggest improvements

This download includes:

• Student boat design template page

• Data collection and reflection journal page

• Student instruction video explaining the activity and vocabulary

• Editable Word lesson plan for easy teacher customization

Why Teachers Love This Activity

✔ Engaging hands-on STEM challenge
✔ Easy setup using 3D pens
✔ Encourages engineering thinking and redesign
✔ Supports NGSS engineering standards
✔ Includes student instruction video for independent work

Perfect For

• STEM labs

• Makerspaces

• Engineering units

• Forces and motion units

• Science centers

• Project-based learning

• Home school curriculum

Students love testing how much weight their tiny boats can hold, and teachers love the way this activity naturally leads to discussions about buoyancy, displacement, and structural design.